Book Review: Spin by Catherine McKenzie

Book: Spin - Catherine McKenzie


Publishing Date: February 7, 2012


Read from January 17 to February 1, 2012


Genre: Adult Fiction, Chick-Lit, Contemporary


Goodreads Summary: 


Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line.

Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?

My View: 

Spin is about Kate. Or Katie. Whichever. She is a thirty something slacker who suffers from a drinking problem, not that she aware of it. All she want is her dream job at the music magazine, The Line but she gets hammered the night before her interview and losses her chance. The next few weeks goes in a blur with sulking, wine and television. 

Next thing she knows, she gets a call back from The Line and they want her for a special assignment. She has to go undercover and spy on "the" Hollywood scarlet, Amber Shepard in rehab. Katie is ready to do anything for her dream job or so she thinks. 

I was highly surprised by the book. The book was witty, fresh and had some incredible characters. The book could have gone all serious on us but it doesn't. It's a lighthearted, fast paced and a very funny read. 

The character of Katie is hilarious. She is smart, funny and hopeless. If you're looking for a flawed character look no further, Katie is a epitome of it. Even with the lying, scheming and drinking; she is still a very likable character.

The Good:

• The book is incredibily funny. I laughed out loud on many occasions. 
• I really liked Katie. She is convinced she doesn't have a drinking problem and so her interactions and reactions with people in rehab are entertaining and funny.
• I loved Katie interactions with Saundra, the therapist.
• Music! I loved the music aspect of the book. The references of artists and songs. It actually made me fell is love with "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree" all over again. 
• The book has a array of very interesting characters. I liked Amber, Henry, Saundra, Greer, Joanna and Rory,

The Bad:

• I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first half. I don't know exactly why but I think the writing is way better in the second half.
• This is not an issue book and it doesn't take itself very seriously. If anyone is looking for a issue book this might not be your cup of tea or better your glass a wine.
• The realistic factor of the book is pretty low but who cares it's just a fun book.

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 4/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote: "Like U2 says. I'm stuck in a moment I can't get out of.
You said it, Bono. And a nice guitar riff, The Edge. You work that shit."

Favorite Character: Katie, Amber and Greer.

Thanks HarperCollins via Netgallery for the arc!